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Community Education is the gateway to lifelong learning. It offers a wide variety of courses and workshops for all ages. Through this program, those searching for education beyond what is available in more formal degree or certificate programs may find an avenue to continue their learning. The nontraditional structure of Community Education makes it possible to respond immediately to trends by offering courses and workshops that are of current interest.

Community Education provides opportunities to:

explore one’s interests

learn and develop skills

increase effectiveness on the job

discover new hobbies

tone body and mind.

Open Access

Community Education is open to everyone, regardless of educational background. Courses and workshops offered are based on student interests and needs. Some courses are scheduled every semester, while others come and go depending on demand.

There are neither grades nor degrees. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be earned in skill-building and professional-development type courses. Certificates of participation are available for all classes.

Community Education is supported entirely by tuition fees; hence minimum enrollments are required in most classes. Classes vary in length from a few hours to eight or more weeks.

Multiple Choices

Community Education courses cover a wide range of subjects, broadly categorized as follows:

Arts & Crafts

Business & Careers

Communications

Community Awareness

Computer Skills

Cooking & Entertaining

Health & Fitness

Hobbies & Leisure

Home & Garden

Humanities

Languages

Music & Dance

Personal Growth

Safety

Sports/Recreation

Younger Set

Programs for Children

Courses for children may be found among Kids Community College in the Community Education offerings. Kids Community College is held during the summer. Classes and activities are planned to reflect the regular programs offered by the various departments at the community college. Student service clubs are involved in some of the programming.

The Academy for Learning in Retirement is a program of educational opportunities of a scholarly nature for learners age 50 or older. It is sanctioned by NMSU and operated under the auspices of Community Education at DACC.

Community Locations

Community Education classes are housed throughout the community. Locations include the community college, the Las Cruces campus of NMSU, the public schools, University Terrace Good Samaritan Village, Mesilla Valley Mall, Branigan Cultural Center, Branigan Library, My Bookstore, and DACC’s Workforce Development Center. Classes may also be held in other county locations, depending on residents’ interests.

Community Involvement Welcome

Community Education welcomes suggestions and input. Potential students are encouraged to call or visit with inquiries, course ideas, and requests. Those with a specialty may consider becoming Community Education instructors and sharing their expertise with others.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing education units may be awarded for organized, noncredit, continuing education experiences. Continuing education units may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.